Dutch Duo to Skil-Shimano

Dutchmen Robin Chaigneau and Job Vissers will be joining Skil-Shimano in 2010. Chaigneau, 21, will be putting his university studies aside to pursue a full-time career in cycling after being a trainee with the Dutch Pro-Continental in 2008. Chagineau captured several notable results including a 2nd place in Koln-Schuld-Freschen after winning three classics in 2008.

Vissers, crowned 2008 Elite National Champion, was a trainee with the team this year after winning the Omloop der Kempen. Vissers’ best result while riding in Skil-Shimano’s red, white and blue was a 20th place in the Sparkassen Münsterland Giro. The last Dutch trainee, Maarten De Jonghe, didn’t make the cut, and will be strengthening Chaigneau’s former team on the Continental Jo Piels squad before turning professional in 2011.

The duo will also be joining new riders Belgian Dominique Cornu, Norwegian Frederik Wilmann, and Frenchmen Yann Huguet and Alexandre Geniez.

The Dutch team had put in a bid for a ProTour license earlier this year, but withdrew their request citing a lack of details regarding the new UCI calendar. Skil-Shimano made its debut in the Tour de France this year where they were applauded for their aggressive racing.